The UK’s landscaping sector is at a turning point. Climate pressures are growing, skills are in short supply, and new rules like Biodiversity Net Gain are raising the stakes. BALI’s National Landscape Conference brings together the industry’s brightest minds to ask one vital question: how do we build landscapes and organisations that are truly future-proof? Hear from visionaries including Helen Nyul, Director of Ecology at Verna, and Sir Tim Smit, Founder of the Eden Project.
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The UK landscaping sector stands at a defining moment.
As climate extremes become more frequent, from heatwaves and flooding to shifting growing conditions, and as the skills gap continues to bring challenges, landscape professionals face increasing pressure on people, projects and plants alike. Add to this evolving regulation such as Biodiversity Net Gain, rising client expectations and heightened scrutiny around environmental performance, and one thing is clear: climate resilience is no longer optional. It is operational.
The BALI National Landscape Conference 2026 brings together senior leaders, practitioners and experts to focus on how the sector can respond with confidence and clarity.
This is a strategic, thought-leadership event designed to tackle the questions shaping the future of landscaping:
- How do we design, build and maintain landscapes that perform in a changing climate?
- How do we protect our teams, our businesses and the environments we work in?
- How do we move beyond compliance to deliver long-term value, resilience and leadership across the sector?
Mark Gregory - Conference Host
As a board member of the British Association of Landscape Industries (BALI) and Managing Director of Landform Consultants, Mark Gregory brings over three decades of industry leadership to his role hosting the BALI National Landscape Conference. Widely regarded as one of the most respected figures in British landscaping, Mark has built Landform Consultants into one of the UK’s most reputable landscape and construction companies. Known as "The King of Chelsea", his extensive experience delivering award-winning gardens at the showpiece RHS flower show has cemented his standing at the very top of the profession. Alongside his construction and design expertise, Mark is a passionate advocate for sustainability, conservation and biodiversity, championing responsible landscape practices that enhance natural habitats while delivering exceptional design and build quality.
We are delighted to welcome three outstanding keynote speakers.
Agenda at a glance
Theme: Climate resilience and how to future proof your business. A day focused on sustainability, biodiversity, plant health, skills, and economic resilience.
09:30 to 10:00 Arrival and refreshments
10:00 to 10:05 Welcome & Opening Remarks
Hosted by Adrian Wickham
Setting the scene for a day focused on resilience, sustainability and opportunity across the landscaping sector.
10:05 to 10:40 Keynote: Trevor Williams - Global Trends & Economic Forces Impacting Landscaping
A strategic overview of the geopolitical and economic forces shaping global trade — and what they mean for UK landscaping businesses.
Key themes include:
- Global trade, exports and imports: pressures on supply chains and costs
- How shifting wealth dynamics are influencing demand for landscaping and luxury projects
- What economic uncertainty really means for the landscaping industry
- Practical, clear takeaways on managing risk, building climate resilience, and future-proofing your business
10:40 to 11:15 Keynote: Sir Tim Smit - Regenerative Sustainability & The Eden Project
An inspiring exploration of how bold, regenerative thinking can transform landscapes, businesses and communities.
Key themes include:
- The transformation of the Eden Project from clay pit to global sustainability icon
- Moving beyond sustainability towards regenerative practices that actively restore ecosystems
- Practical lessons for embedding climate resilience into landscaping operations and long-term strategy
11:15 to 11:50 Refreshments and networking
11:50 to 12:25 Keynote: Helen Nyul - Biodiversity Net Gain & Climate Resilience
A practical look at how Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) can drive climate resilience while strengthening business performance.
Key themes include:
- BNG as a tool for sustainable, resilient business practice
- How to operationalise BNG requirements using current guidance and standards
- Turning compliance into opportunity
12:30 to 13:30 Lunch and networking
13:30 to 14:30 Breakout sessions (choose one)
Room 1: A Workplace for the Future
Hosted by Sam Grayson – Hyphae Learning
Panel with Paul Downer – Oak View Landscapes/ BALI Board Director, Gamiel Yafai – Diversity Marketplace, More panellists to be announced
This panel will share perspectives on what the future workplace will look and feel like, covering topics from leadership, high performance, and well-being to culture, acceptance, inclusion, and respect
Room 2: Data-Driven Biodiversity
With Liz Nicholson – Nicholson Nurseries
Practical advice on integrating biodiversity measurement into everyday operations
How biodiversity metrics support sustainable landscape practice and business strategy
Introduction to Elemental
Room 3: The Reality of Plant Health
Hosted by Dougal Driver – Grown in Britain
Panel with Will Innes-Taylor - Hillier Nurseries, Alistair Bayford – Frosts/ BALI Board Director, Malcolm Catlin – Plant Healthy
This panel will explore:
- Major threats to plant health in nurseries and landscaping projects
- Managing increased plant health risks and import pressures
- The nursery sector’s role in biodiversity and sustainability
- How landscapers and nurseries can collaborate for stronger long-term outcomes
14:30 to 15:00 Refreshments and networking
15:00 to 16:00 Breakout sessions (choose one)
Room 1: Training and Developing Future Talent
Hosted by Jake Catling – Hyphae Learning/ BALI Board Director
Panel with Ruth Orrell-Harris – Activate Learning, Jonathan Pettit – BALI, more panellists to be announced.
To build a resilient workforce, leaders must move beyond traditional "tick-box" training. This session explores a strategic three-prong approach to talent development, analysing how we currently utilise In-House, External, and Formal training and—more importantly—how we must evolve them to resonate with a digital-first generation.
Room 2: Goods to the Ground – Inside the Supply Chain
Hosted by Rachel Forsyth - Hortweek
Panel With Chris Swan – Green-Tech, Richard McKenna – Provender Nurseries, Richard Brown – Germinal , Michael Mclvor-New - Tobermore
This panel will explore:
- The journey from supplier to site: risks, delays and cost pressures
- Export and import challenges affecting availability and pricing
- Managing customer expectations in an “Amazon-effect” world
- Being transparent about price increases without losing trust or margin
- Strengthening collaboration between suppliers, contractors and clients
- One practical improvement the industry can adopt to build supply-chain resilience
Room 3: Where’s the Money? Navigating the Economic Landscape
Hosted by Adrian Wickham – BALI, Chair
Panel with Mark Powell – J M Finn Investments, Kim Sones – Sones Accountancy Services and more to be announced
In an era of economic uncertainty, pricing volatility and climate pressures, how can landscaping businesses stay financially resilient and strategically positioned for growth?
This session brings together leading financial voices to explore the economic landscape from global trends to business-level impact.
16:00 to 17:00 Panel Discussion & Closing Session
A reflective panel with hosts from each breakout session, sharing:
- Key insights and learnings from the day
- Practical actions for the industry moving forward
- Audience Q&A
Closing remarks: Wayne Grills, BALI Chief Executive
17:00 to 18:30 Networking drinks reception
Continue the conversation and connect with peers, speakers and industry leaders
Note: breakout content and panellists may be subject to change.
As the UK’s leading landscaping trade association, BALI is proud to convene this conversation. The challenges facing our sector are complex and urgent, but they are also an opportunity. By bringing together expertise, experience and ambition, we can help shape a more resilient, confident and future-ready industry.
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